There has been a lot of hype regarding the subjectivity of various forensic sciences disciplines, such as, latent print examinations and firearm examinations. To prove that these disciplines are a scientifically sound, there's a need for research, application of error rates, etc. This hype or debate was determined during a national examination of all forensic disciplines the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report.
Discussion:
Are question document examinations purely subjective (influenced by person opinions)?
Now that you have performed analysis as a question document examiner (week 2 and week 3 assignments), do you believe that question document examinations are scientifically sound?
As an expert in question document examinations, would you feel confident testifying to your conclusions/opinions based on the analysis you performed in this course?
As a juror, what type of information would you want to be provided in court to prove that question document examinations are scientifically sound?